What sets them apart are their pedal systems that allow you to propel yourself across the water with your legs<\/strong>, much like you\u2019d pedal a bicycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Faster, durable, and sporting great stability, boats like Perception\u2019s Pescador Pilot 12<\/a> are great for the hardcore fisherman<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After 40 years in the business, Perception\u2019s learned a thing or two about what makes a good fishing kayak, and they\u2019ve funneled it into their Pilot 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In our Perception Pescador Pilot 12 <\/strong>review, we\u2019ll break down some of our favorite features with this model as well as anything to look out for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re going to make a big investment in a high-end kayak like a Pescador Pilot 12, you\u2019ll want to make sure you take good care of it so it\u2019ll last a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilot 12 is a big kayak compared to other fishing models<\/strong>, measuring 12-feet, 6-inches long and as such, needs a large protected storage area<\/strong>. Ideally, this will be a place out of the elements and away from falling rain and snow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live in a small house or apartment, you may be better off getting an inflatable fishing kayak<\/a> that can fold up to the size of a suitcase and be stored in a closet.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your vehicle is set-up to safely transport your kayak<\/strong>. The long keel will make it difficult for smaller trucks to carry safely in their truck bed. Smaller vehicles will want to invest in a quality kayak rack and the proper straps or webbing that will keep your kayak secure when moving from A to B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the water, the Pescador Pilot 12 is capable of handling ocean environments<\/strong>. But it is a \u201csit-on-top\u201d kayak. This gives you a ton of deck space, plenty of room to move around, and easy to get in and out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But you don\u2019t get much in the way of protection from precipitation or splashing waves<\/strong>. If you live in a cold, rainy environment or see yourself heading into choppy waters where waves may be splashing over the side, you may be better off investing in a \u201csit-in\u201d kayak like the Tsunami 125<\/a> which will provide additional protection for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Length<\/strong>: 12 feet, 5 inches<\/p>\n\n\n\n Width<\/strong>: 33.75 inches<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weight<\/strong>: 85 pounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n Load Capacity<\/strong>: 475 pounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilot 12 is made of one of the more common kayak materials, high-density polyethylene<\/strong>. While it is heavy, it\u2019s favored for its superb durability<\/strong>. You can be assured that this boat can stand up to most drops and collisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can ensure your kayak has a long life by treating it gently. Whenever possible carry your kayak to the water\u2019s edge in lieu of dragging it. This will damage the hull over time and create scratches and peeling that can hamper the boat\u2019s speed and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perception\u2019s Pilot Drive system has received positive reviews for its lightweight design and easy learning curve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It glides over the water with impressive efficiency <\/strong>and if you\u2019re able to coordinate your pedalling with a paddle you can coax even more speed out of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another added bonus is the whole propeller system can be easily lifted out of the water, allowing you to skim over shallow gravel beds and past rocks without damaging the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It will require a little more maintenance<\/strong> than a traditional kayak to keep running at peak efficiency and it may not be a bad idea to always carry along a paddle just in case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilot 12 comes with a rudder<\/strong> (though you have to install it yourself, don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s easy) mounted on the stern that can be easily raised and lowered. This is great for windy or wavy days where conditions can knock you off course. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You control the rudder with a joystick-style lever <\/strong>mounted near the seat. It\u2019s intuitive and easy to use and allows you to navigate tight corners and those little honey holes where fish love to congregate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The seat on the Pilot 12 comes with everything you need to be comfortable on the water for hours. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s well-cushioned with an ergonomic design that should be acceptable for most paddlers. Not enough? There\u2019s a mesh covering to promote airflow that will keep you from sweating on those hot summer days. On-water adjustments are easy and safe without having to worry about rocking the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seat is even removable <\/strong>so you have a handy camp chair to set up around the fire at the end of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilot 12 isn\u2019t as wide as some fishing kayaks, but it doesn\u2019t sacrifice any stability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, it remains stable enough that paddlers of all experience levels should be able to stand and cast with confidence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new to kayak fishing, I\u2019d recommend starting out in really calm water, but the boat should be able to handle a standing angler even in choppy or windy conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The narrower hull also helps with tracking<\/strong>. This boat cuts through adverse conditions pretty well and can handle waves, wind, or tide hitting you from the side. I\u2019d still recommend always utilizing the rudder though to help improve your tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve already talked about the tough plastic hull that should be able to handle any accidents that come from carrying it or paddling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n My one complaint is that I wish they\u2019d installed a skid plate on the hull so that if you did have to move it on your own, you could drag it without fear of peeling the plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For storage, it\u2019s best kept out of the rain and snow<\/strong>. It\u2019s also important to protect it from direct sunlight<\/strong>. While the plastic is UV resistant, over time these rays can begin to weaken or warp the hull. But with proper care, this polyethylene battleship should last you a long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the drawbacks to plastic kayaks is that they\u2019re heavier than other hard-sided kayak materials. A couple of nice, padded handles have been built into the bow and stern to make tandem carries easier. But with that said, it\u2019s still a heavy boat weighing over 80 pounds<\/strong> empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always carry your kayak with nothing in the hatches, even if you and your carrying partner think you could load some gear into it. Over time, an overladen kayak will start to \u201cbow\u201d in the middle and warp if carried with a lot of weight in it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most kayaks of this caliber don\u2019t come with a lot of added goodies the way entry-level boats do. There\u2019s no included paddle, although Pescador does make their own custom paddle <\/strong>designed for their kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do get a five-year warranty<\/strong> with your purchase however should anything go amiss and detailed instructions on how to install and maintain the rudder and pedal system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any fishing kayak worth its salt comes loaded with custom options and features all designed to help you catch more fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilot 12 is no different. It comes with four rod holders<\/strong> built into the hull which are easily accessible from the cockpit. There\u2019s also an attachment point for your paddle <\/strong>so you\u2019ll always have your hands free to fish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a mounting point for an anchor system<\/strong>. Bear in mind that the anchor system is sold separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also get a gear track accessory system <\/strong>which is a common feature on fishing kayaks. From there you can install any number of gadgets<\/strong> from GPS and fish finders, to additional rod holders, a GoPro, or even a flag or sun cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main storage areas are in the bow and the stern<\/strong>. The bow hatch is covered and watertight, a good place for camping gear if you’re going out for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The stern hatch is bigger but open to the environment. Deck bungees are stretched across this \u201ctank well\u201d to keep your gear secure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Smaller storage spots have been placed around the cockpit <\/strong>and make a great place to keep personal items or gear you want easy access to while you\u2019re on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pedal kayaks<\/a> have great stability, speed, and all the features necessary to get you on the water and to your favorite fishing hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With that said, be prepared to spend a pretty penny on a pedal kayak<\/strong> like the Pilot 12. If you\u2019re new to the sport and not sure how much time you\u2019ll have, or if you\u2019re a more casual angler, it\u2019s probably better to go with a cheaper model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re a passionate fisherman or have the money to spend, it\u2019s hard to argue with the performance and features you get with a boat like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A comparable pedal model from Hobie, the Mirage Compass gives you a lot of the same features and performance<\/strong> as the Pilot 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a little shorter<\/strong>, measuring exactly 12-feet and it\u2019s a little bit wider<\/strong>. But these small differences shouldn\u2019t influence the boat\u2019s speed or tracking that much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The rudder does come pre-installed<\/strong> and is mounted on the underside of the kayak which does make going through shallow water a little more treacherous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s plenty of storage, but a lot of it is open-air<\/strong>. So if you\u2019re going to be paddling in wet or wavy conditions where water will be coming over the side, you\u2019ll want to make sure all your water-sensitive gear is stored in dry bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our honest Mirage Compass review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Even bigger and heavier than the Pilot 12.<\/strong> The Predator PDL is 13-feet long and 113(!) pounds. If you can get past the extra weight, you\u2019ll find it boasts a lot of custom features<\/strong> and the same reliable stability you come to expect from a pedal kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re newer to the sport, this is the pedal kayak I\u2019d recommend as the stability is fantastic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The 500-pound load capacity means you\u2019ll have plenty of space<\/strong> for all your gear whether you\u2019re out for the day or a couple of days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our detailed Predator PDL review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Perception Pescador Pilot 12<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Perception](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Pescador-Pilot-12.0-705x252.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPerception Pescador Pilot 12 Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Perception Pescador Pilot 12 Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maneuverability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/160011924397828062-1-705x657.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStability & Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Portability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pescador Pilot 12 Features & Accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Perception Pedal Kayak Fishing Ease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Perception Pescador Pilot 12 Value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Perception Pescador Pilot 12 Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hobie Mirage Compass<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Hobie](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hobie-Mirage-Compass-705x199.png\")
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Old Town Predator PDL<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Old](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Old-Town-Predator-PDL-side-view.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Hobie Mirage Outback<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Hobie](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Mirage_Outback-705x204.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Pescador_Pilot12.0-705x217.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n